The Evolution and Relevance of the 'Doom' Video Game Series

Samanta Blumberg

Oct-08-2023

The Evolution and Relevance of the 'Doom' Video Game Series

The Creation of Doom

The 'Doom' series, a renowned name in the world of first-person shooter video games, was first developed by id Software. The series was born in 1993 with the release of the inaugural game, simply titled 'Doom'. This game, created by John Romero, John Carmack, and Tom Hall, set the standard for the genre and established a new benchmark for graphics in video games.

'Doom' (1993)

Doom gameplay

The first 'Doom' game introduced players to a space marine protagonist whose mission was to combat demonic forces from Hell that had been unleashed by a corrupt corporation on Mars's moons. The game was lauded for its immersive gameplay, 3D graphics, networked multiplayer gaming, and the ability for players to create their own levels.

'Doom II: Hell on Earth' (1994)

Doom 2 gameplay

'Doom II: Hell on Earth', released in 1994, continued the narrative of the original game, with the protagonist now battling the demonic forces on Earth. It introduced new enemies and a double-barrel shotgun. Despite its gameplay being largely similar to its predecessor, 'Doom II' was a commercial success.

'Doom 3' (2004)

Doom 3 gameplay

After a decade, 'Doom 3' was released in 2004. This game was a reboot rather than a continuation, featuring a new storyline and a focus on horror elements alongside the action. It also showcased improved graphics and audio, making it one of the most technically advanced games of its time.

'Doom' (2016)

Doom 2016 gameplay

The series received another reboot in 2016 with a new game, once again titled 'Doom'. This game returned to the fast-paced action of the original games, but with modern graphics and gameplay mechanics. It introduced a melee attack system known as "Glory Kills" and a level creation tool called "SnapMap".

'Doom Eternal' (2020)

Doom Eternal gameplay

'Doom Eternal', the latest in the series, was released in 2020. It expanded on the mechanics of the 2016 game, introducing new enemies, a grappling hook mechanic, and the ability to replenish resources through specific types of kills. It received widespread acclaim for its gameplay, storytelling, and soundtrack.

Future Prospects for the 'Doom' Series

Doom game art

As of now, the future of the 'Doom' series seems promising. The success of 'Doom Eternal' has shown that there is still a substantial audience for the series. id Software has expressed interest in continuing the series, exploring new narratives and gameplay mechanics, and possibly delving deeper into the backstory of the protagonist.

Concluding Thoughts

Over the years, the 'Doom' series has proven to be a resilient and innovative presence in the gaming industry. From its birth in 1993 to its latest installment in 2020, 'Doom' has evolved while staying true to its roots, providing players with fast-paced action, challenging gameplay, and an immersive narrative. The future holds exciting possibilities for this iconic series, and fans worldwide eagerly anticipate what 'Doom' will bring next.

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